He wouldn’t excuse her behavior in the office, he was very displeased when anyone touched this sword. He would have acted the same way had it been anyone else.
‘But why?’
Why would she take the brunt of the water on his behalf? Why was she, someone who shouldn’t have cared at all, so angry, when he, who should have been the one angry, had remained so calm? Was she really unaffected even when he treated her so coldly?
He shook his head. There’s no was she was okay with everything that had happened. Ash remembered her face sinking when he had directed his cold gaze at her. He was speechless when he had seen the sadness in her eyes then.
Looking at her filled him with doubt. When the old man had poured water on her, Ash felt as uncomfortable as when a stranger would tough his sword.
Was it simply because she reminded him of ‘Elaine’?”
He laughed out loud. He didn’t even blink at all of the malicious comments that were thrown his way. So why is he so shaken by a person whom he has no recollection of. He didn’t even know what they look or sounded like?
The evil words the man had thrown at him didn’t even tickle. Originally, no one would have been able to say anything even if he had cut off the man’s head, but he couldn’t do that. If he killed everyone that resented him like that, he would have long ago turned into a murderer like his mother.
But Ash knew that he would still never be able to escape the blood-soaked name of his mother. The results of the Seveka incident were always following in his shadow.
There was no escape, so he calmly accepted it.
Ash closed his eyes for a long time, feeling tired.
On the way back from patrol, after sending the other knights away, he walked alone as the sun was setting. Even though the sky was clear, the wind was still cold. Because it was sill winter, the sun would set early, so it was a good idea to head back soon.
He turned back toward the castle. The evening fog, which hadn’t been there when he arrived, rose between the crowded residences. The laughter and chatter of the people inside the houses could be heard clearly.
It was peaceful. He had created this peace. Whenever he was confused, he always turned toward Killiard to reassure himself. His existence was not wrong.
***
“Elaine! I heard you got soaked with water, are you okay?”
“I’m fine. It wasn’t a big deal.”
“Not a big deal? I heard you blocked the water for His Grace.”
Elaine had just come downstairs after changing into some extra clothes provided in the dorm.
“Rumors sure travel fast.”
While she was clicking her tongue inwardly, Cezanne muttered with a confused look on his face.
“I don’t get why you did it.”
“What?”
“I mean it, why would you do something like that?”
Elaine looked up at Cezanne, his eyes were serious. Seeing his eyes like this, she thought it was funny. She had wanted to ask the same thing of the old man.
Just as Cezanne couldn’t understand her actions, she was unable to understand the harsh way the world treated Ash.
“I just did what I am supposed to. I am the Dukes bodyguard.”
“…”
Even though she had given a reasonable answer, he still stared at her intently, with an expression that did not understand.
At that time, she saw some other people entering the dorms. They were the knights who had been on patrol with them. She spoke as she approached them.
“Are you finished now?”
A knight who appeared to be ten years older than her answered bluntly.
“Yes.”
“What about His Grace?”
“He finished his patrol and is returning to the castle.”
Elaine spoke while looking back at Cezanne.
“Then I guess I have to go. See you later Cezanne.”
Since her work as a bodyguard had yet to be completed, Elaine returned to Ash’s side. Cezanne still seemed displeased with her, but she still left and headed outside.
The main castle and the knights building were almost right next to each other. It was even faster if you took a shortcut through the large training hall at the rear of the building. Before long, she was standing right in front of Ash’s office door.
***
Ash was sitting at his desk, reviewing documents. If Lowell had seen him working as soon as he returned, without resting, he would have scolded him. But, no matter how much Lowell nagged, Ash wouldn’t listen. He thought there was no benefit in delaying something that had to be completed anyway.
At that time, a knock was heard on the door.
“Come in.”
When permission had been granted, the door opened and Elaine walked in.
“You arrived quickly. You should have taken your time.”
“I’m basically dry now so its fine.”
Elaine shook her head and walked toward Ash. The she quickly took a glance at his expression. His face carried the same cool look as usual.
‘I’m glad he looks alright.’
She had been worried Ash would be affected because of the harsh words the old man had said earlier, but fortunately, he appeared to be alright. She let out a small sigh in relief. The, she suddenly noticed something and narrowed her eyes.
“Wait a moment, sir.”
Elaine stopped in front of Ash with her eyes fixed on a certain spot. At the same time that Ash raised his head in curiosity, Elaine extended her hand.
